Product Overview

This Structural Glazing High Rise and Curtain Wall Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for high-risk façade and glazing activities on multi-storey buildings. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that streamlines WHS compliance and provides end-to-end risk management for all aspects of structural glazing and curtain wall installation.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of structural glazing works on high-rise and curtain wall façades
• Glass lift shaft installation, including cranage, hoisting, and positioning of large glass panels
• Glazing of structural elements such as mullions, transoms, and structural fins in façade systems
• Installation of windows and curtain wall units in high-rise structures using EWPs, scaffolds, and building maintenance units
• Safe operation of glazing robots and mechanical lifting aids for handling oversized and heavy glass
• Planar glazing installation, including point-fixed and spider glazing systems to building envelopes
• Safety controls during architectural glazing to atriums, balustrades, canopies, and feature façades
• Selection, handling, and storage of glass, aluminium frames, sealants, and associated glazing materials
• Working at heights controls including edge protection, fall arrest systems, and exclusion zones below work areas
• Use of cranes, hoists, and material handling equipment to lift and position curtain wall panels
• Manual handling risk reduction when shifting, rotating, and installing glass panes and frames
• Control of environmental conditions such as wind, weather, and reduced visibility during high-rise glazing
• Housekeeping, waste management, and control of offcuts, broken glass, and sharp edges on façades
• Emergency response planning for glass breakage, dropped objects, and rescue from height

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial glaziers, curtain wall and façade contractors, window installers, structural glazing specialists, and site supervisors managing high-rise glazing works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on preventing falls when working at height on façades and curtain walls
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and managing high-risk construction work such as structural glazing
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of glazing robots, EWPs, cranes, hoists, and other plant
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy or awkward glass panels
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ensuring safe access, egress, and amenities for workers on high-rise projects
• AS/NZS 1170 Structural Design Actions: Consideration of wind loads and structural actions on façades and glazing systems
• AS 1288 Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation: Requirements for the selection and installation of glass in buildings
• AS/NZS 2208 Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings: Performance requirements for safety glazing materials used in high-rise applications